Apple sells millions of iPhones annually. The Plus model, though not the most successful, still sells a lot of units. Like other companies, Apple isn’t fully immune to issues with Quality Control and software bugs.
For a specific number of iPhone 14 Plus models that were manufactured between April 10th, 2023, and April 28, 2024, there are problems with the camera app. The phone refuses to show a preview.
The preview is obviously very important. You use it to check whether everything is in the frame, it’s necessary for overall image composition, it’s used to check whether the overall exposure is right, whether the phone is focusing on the right parts, and a lot more. Without the preview in the viewfinder of the camera, it’s a guessing game at best. The camera app is mostly unusable without the preview.
The preview is absolutely necessary, and without it, the entire camera experience is worse. On the surface, this sounds like more of a software issue. However, it’s apparently a hardware problem. Apple officially acknowledged this issue on its Support Page.
They claim that a “very small” percentage of devices have an issue where the preview isn’t visible. If you have a device with this problem, you can visit the link above. Open it, and enter your serial number. Note that no other iPhones except the iPhone 14 Plus models are a part of this program. Apple also confirms that if your device is eligible, they’ll provide service free of cost. If your region doesn’t have an official center, an authorized one will do it for you.
You have 3 options if you’re eligible. You can also find an authorized center or make a direct appointment at an Apple retail store. You can also contact Apple Support directly and arrange in-mail home service. They will examine the device firsthand, and if there are any other issues like back glass damage, they fix those first and will charge you extra for it.
Unfortunately, if Apple decides to do so, they may limit repairs to the original purchase region. The program is valid for up to 3 years from the purchase of the device, but there’s no extended warranty. Those who have paid to repair this same issue can contact Apple and still get a refund.
